Summer Day Camp
Day Camp at Rodeph Sholom School is magical! Fueled by a deep sense of connection to community, friends, place, and oneself, at camp, children are free to take risks and have new experiences surrounded by supportive friends and staff. Students not only find the camp a safe place to laugh, have fun, and be silly but also to move beyond their comfort zones and explore new friendships and activities. At summer camp, children can always be their authentic selves, filled with wonder and curiosity as they greet each day as a new adventure!
Enroll in camp for Summer 2025
Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp is devoted to celebrating the joys of childhood. Our enthusiastic and compassionate staff are dedicated to providing a memorable, safe, and fun summer experience where children pursue passions while gaining new experiences. Our thoughtful, age-appropriate programming enables children to grow as individuals and make lifelong friendships.
Who We Are
Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp engages children ages Three through 4th Grade through experiences that help build a positive sense of self, strong peer relationships, skill development in a range of areas, and exposure to new and existing passions.
We are a strong community that celebrates each individual. Our camp feels like home to all of our campers and staff.
Our camp day will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The half-day Threes program will run from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm, Monday through Friday. For an additional fee, families have the option to sign their children up for an extended day, which runs until 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 5:00 pm on Fridays.
About Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp
- Our strong culture and community allow each child to discover new passions, create life-long friendships, and find a strong sense of belonging. Our staff is full of professional educators dedicated to ensuring every child has the best possible experience each day they come to camp.
- At Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp, our campers enjoy action-packed days filled with self-discovery, building friendships and connections, engaging in a wide range of activities, and experiencing the ruach (spirit) and magic that camp provides! Unlike many camps in New York City, Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp is proud to provide two pools for our campers to become confident, safe, capable swimmers. One pool (little pool) is one foot deep and the other (big pool) is three feet deep. All lifeguards are Red Cross-certified.
- Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp engages children ages Three through 4th Grade. We are a strong community that celebrates individuality. Our camp feels like home to all of our campers and staff. Our #1 tradition is to be a place of ruach (spirit), friendship, and new experiences every day. Campers arrive and dismiss while fun music is playing ensuring every day starts and ends with a smile.
- Our camp day will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The half-day Threes program will run from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm, Monday through Friday.
- For an additional fee, full-day families have the option to sign up their children for early drop-off and extended days. Early drop-off begins at 8:30 am and extended day runs until 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 5:00 pm on Fridays.
Unique Programs for Every Age
Click below to enroll in camp for summer 2024:
LOWER CAMP – RISING THREES, PRE-K, AND KINDERGARTEN
For our youngest campers, the days will be full of exploration, creativity, fun, and new experiences. Our campers at this age participate in a mix of activities that allow for skill-building, creating new friendships, and many chances to play. Our programming aims to promote their gross and fine motor skills.
Our Lower Camp campers will have Bunk Time daily. During this time, counselors may read stories to their campers, allow for free play, or work on a bunk project. During this period, children will work on group and individual projects based on art, science, storytelling, and/or using their imagination. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten campers will also have one field trip per session, within walking distance of camp.
UPPER CAMP – RISING 1ST THROUGH 4TH GRADERS
Our Upper Camp Program allows campers to experience the independence and autonomy that come with getting older. Most activities are the same as our Lower Camp but are catered towards this older age group so that they feel challenged and stay engaged.
For their field trips, they will bus to various locations throughout New York City to experience the many cultural and educational opportunities that the city has to offer.
A Week in the Life
All campers will be able to participate in camp-wide special events, including a Maccabiah game competition where the whole camp will compete to become champions.
There will be one special event each week of camp, which may include a theme day, a carnival, and more!
Every Friday at Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp we have Shabbat “Campfires,” where children have the opportunity to sit around a faux fire and reflect, share, sing, and think about the camp week they just had and their goals for the following week. This is a great chance at the end of each session to say goodbye to friends who may not be returning and recognize each other’s achievements.
Our #1 tradition is to be a place of spirit, cheer, and friendship every day. Campers arrive and dismiss while fun music is playing in their bunks ensuring every day starts and ends with a smile.
Campers enrolled in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6 through 8-year-old groups will attend at least one trip per session. These trips might include museums, outdoor activities, unique experiences, or other attractions.
We have a nurse on staff and all of our staff are CPR/First Aid certified. A counselor always accompanies our Lower Camp campers to the nurse.
Lunch is included in tuition and not an additional fee.
Families who send in a packed lunch for their child each day should make sure that it is kosher-style and nut-free per school policy. All campers receive two snacks as part of their camp day, including ice cream and challah on Fridays.
Camp Activities
Swimming and Athletics
- All of our campers participate in sports instruction multiple times a week. The coaches design activities for each age group and enable the campers to learn and grow throughout the summer.
- This program takes place in Central Park and is held in our school gym if necessary due to weather. Campers will be exposed to many different sports including soccer, kickball, and baseball, and will participate in a variety of relay races. We also have our own Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp Maccabiah Games! All campers will be divided into two teams and compete as a bunk in various sports and obstacles throughout the summer. Campers will be able to see their “scores” in the lobby daily, as gold stars will be added to the corresponding team flag.
- Swimming and water safety are critical skills for children to learn. These skills allow children to be confident and safe in the water now and in the future. All campers work with Red Cross-certified instructors to become confident, safe, and capable swimmers. All swimming takes place in our on-site, outdoor pools.
All campers will swim twice per day, once for instruction and once for free swim. During these sessions, they will learn the joys of being in the water while developing foundational swimming skills. During these times, our staff will work on strengthening our camper’s swim skills with different exercises. - Campers will also have the option of signing up for swim lessons (for an additional fee) after the camp day ends.
Arts, Theater, and Food Science
Our arts curriculum focuses on each young artist’s process. Along with their counselors and our specialists, campers have the opportunity to engage with a variety of art mediums. In addition to studio arts, our campers will have the chance to be exposed to theater arts, music, dance, and food science.
STEAM
Every bunk has STEAM on their weekly schedule. This special is run by Rodeph Sholom School’s very own Josh Moshen. Campers will have the chance to experience science, technology, engineering, art, and math through a variety of formats.
Gaga
Our Gaga pit is open every day at camp, and is a highlight for all of our campers. Gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit. Each bunk will have allocated times to play a few times a week.
Special Events
Each session has a special camp-wide event such as bounce castle day and carnival day. All campers are encouraged to participate in the fun and exciting theme days, Tie Dye Day, Crazy Hat Day, Superhero Day, etc.
Shabbat Friday
Every Friday at Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp we bring in Shabbat by reflecting, sharing, and singing. We will say the prayer for challah and wine and campers will enjoy Challah in their bunk as a snack. At the end of the day (before dismissal) campers will also have ice cream with their bunk.
Field Trips
Our campers will have a field trip at least once per session. These trips could be to museums, outdoor activities, unique experiences, and other local attractions.
Dates and Rates
Full Season: June 23rd – August 15th, 2025
Session 1: June 23 – July 4, 2025*
Season 2: July 7 – July 18, 2025
Session 3: July 21 – August 1, 2025
Session 4: August 4 – August 15, 2025
*Session 1 is prorated for the fourth of July (no camp on July 4th).
Families are encouraged to sign up for multiple sessions throughout the summer. These sessions do not have to be consecutive.
Age Group | 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 8 Weeks |
Half Day Rising Threes | $1,800 | $3,420 | $6,500 |
Full Day Rising Threes through Kindergarten | $2,070 | $3,933 | $7,480 |
Rising 1st through 4th Grade | $2,170 | $4,123 | $7,830 |
$600.00 Deposit due at registration.
Balance is due in full by April 15th, 2025.
Early Enrollment Incentive and Sibling Discount
We offer a 10% discount to any family that registers by February 28th, 2025.
Any family who registers more than one child will receive a 5% discount for each child enrolled after the first sibling.
Refund Policies
- All payments, except a non-refundable $600 deposit, are fully refundable through April 15th, 2025.
- All enrollments after April 15th, 2025 are final and non-refundable.
- There are no refunds for absences, withdrawals, or terminations.
- If the camp needs to be closed for reasons related to COVID-19 for one week or more during the summer, payments will be refunded at the end of the summer at a prorated amount for days the camp is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Bunk Requests work?
You are welcome to request bunk groups for your child. We will take each request in the order that we receive them. Please note: We will not be able to accommodate all bunk requests.
If I choose to pack my child’s lunch, are there any dietary restrictions I should follow?
For children who choose to bring their lunch, please send a kosher-style, nut-free, lunch to camp with them each day. We will indicate the dairy or meat days on our camp calendar. All campers receive two snacks as part of their camp day, including ice cream and challah on Fridays.
What if my child is not feeling well at camp?
We have a nurse on staff every day of camp. Trip leaders and all office staff are CPR/First Aid certified. A counselor always accompanies our Lower Camp campers to the nurse.
What if my child can’t swim?
We have flotation devices in the pools, and all counselors and lifeguards will be in the pool at the same time as students. In the pool, our ratio is 1:4 including lifeguards.
Employment
At Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp, we carefully select our staff which is comprised of Rodeph Sholom School teachers and alumni, educational professionals, college students, and others who we see as outstanding camp role models.
Our staff sings, hugs, cheers, cares, nurtures, listens, learns, leads, understands, and upholds the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp and Rodeph Sholom School standards and values. We seek dedicated individuals who want to help make each camper’s time at Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp the best it can possibly be. We spend our summers not only enriching our campers’ lives, but the lives of our staff as well. Camp positions run the duration of camp (June through August), and all staff are expected to participate fully in the program.
Working at Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp offers the opportunity to make life-long friends, develop personal and life skills, and participate in what we know can become one of the best summer experiences of your life.
Job Descriptions
Head Counselor
Head Counselors at the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp positively engage with children and staff in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. This position is ideal for someone responsible, has time management, and isn’t afraid to use their imagination. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
Responsibilities
- Lead a group of children for the entire summer.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- You will have many opportunities to bond with campers and participate with them in a broad range of activities.
- Collaborate with and mentor an assistant counselor.
- Counselors must be able and willing to participate in all activities (including swimming twice a day) while caring for their campers.
Qualifications
- Ability to provide a safe, fun, physically active, and enriching environment for campers entering the Threes through 4th Grade.
- Must be a team player, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with campers and other staff members.
- Bachelor’s Degree (completed or in progress) in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($5,000 – $6,500)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Assistant Counselor
Assistant Counselors at the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp positively engage with children in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. Assistants will be mentored by their head counselors in creating a fun and interactive camp culture. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
Responsibilities
- Assist a group of children for the entire summer.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- Create bonds with campers throughout the summer while participating in a broad range of specials/activities.
- Collaborate with a head counselor.
- Assistant counselors must be able and willing to participate in all activities (including swimming twice a day) while caring for their campers.
Qualifications
- Ability to provide a safe, fun, physically active, and enriching environment for campers entering the Threes through 4th Grade.
- Must be a team player, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with campers and other staff members.
- Must be at least 16 years old by the first day of camp.
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($4,200 – $5,000)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Floater
Floaters at the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp are the backbone of a positive and engaging summer. Floaters assist all staff with children in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. Floaters will receive their assigned duties each day and have the unique opportunity to bond with all of our campers and staff here at camp. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in various age groups of campers for the entire summer.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- Create bonds with campers throughout the summer while participating in a broad range of specials/activities.
- Collaborate with head and assistant counselors.
- Collaborate with specialists.
- Floater counselors must be able and willing to participate in all activities (including swimming twice a day) while caring for their campers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to provide a safe, fun, physically active, and enriching environment for campers entering the Threes through 4th Grade.
- Must be a team player, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with campers and other staff members.
- Ability to be flexible.
- Must be at least 16 years old by the first day of camp.
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($4,200 – $5,000)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Athletics Specialist
Specialists at the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp positively engage with children in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. Our unique, engaging and out-of-the-box thinking specialists are the heart of Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
- Plan and implement weekly and daily sports activities for children aged 3-9.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- Create bonds with campers throughout the summer while helping them learn new skills/sports.
- Collaborate with other specialists and counselors
- Participate in camp-wide events
- Lead our summer-long camp competition, Maccabiah Games.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Help build a community of positivity and respect.
- Be positive, energetic, communicative, and flexible.
- Ensure camper safety.
- Experience with young child sports activities.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience coaching or teaching young children .
- We look for applicants who are team players, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Must be 18 years old by the first day of camp.
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($5,500 – $6,500)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
Aquatics staff at Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp positively engage with children in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
- Teach in our Learn to Swim program for children aged 3-9.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- Create bonds with campers throughout the summer while helping them enhance their comfort with water and swim skills.
- Collaborate with other specialists and counselors.
- Participate in camp-wide events.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid CPR and First Aid Certifications.
- Ability to swim proficiently.
- Minimum age of 18 years old.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check.
- Current lifeguard certification.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience coaching or teaching swim lessons to young children.
- We look for applicants who are team players, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Must remain in the pool area at all times.
- Ability to support child or adult body weight in the water.
- Must be able to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize and remedy hazardous/dangerous situations.
- Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.
- Perform all physical aspects of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds at a time in a warm pool environment.
- Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distances in normal and loud situations.
BENEFITS OF BEING A LIFEGUARD:
- Certification Reimbursment
- Opportunity to earn extra salary for teaching lessons after the camp day is over.
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($4,200 – $5,500)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
Specialist
Specialists at the Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp positively engage with children in an environment focused on the joys of childhood, social-emotional learning, and community building. Our unique, engaging and out-of-the-box thinking specialists are the heart of Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp. If this excites and energizes you, come join us!
- Plan and implement weekly and daily lessons and activities in your respective field.
- Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers to grow and learn.
- You will have many opportunities to bond with campers and participate with them in a broad range of activities.
- Collaborate with other specialists and counselors.
- Participate in camp-wide events.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to create and implement daily lesson plans.
- Ability to manage a bunk of up to 15 kids at a time (there will be a counselor in the room to assist as well).
- Must be a team player, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Must be flexible.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience teaching your specialty to young children.
- We look for applicants who are team players, enthusiastic, playful, patient, compassionate, and have great listening and communication skills.
- Must be 18 years old by the first day of camp.
This role is temporary, 8 weeks in duration. ($5,500 – $6,500)
Rodeph Sholom School encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission, vision, values, and commitments and commitments as articulated here, including those from underrepresented groups in Jewish education. Rodeph Sholom School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the school not to discriminate on the basis of any category prohibited by applicable federal, New York State and/or New York City laws/regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment process, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation/benefits, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, training, working conditions, layoff, and termination.
Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.